The EU-funded project will demonstrate that natural fumigants can replace chemical pesticides with lower environmental and health impacts
Monday, 12 January 2026. Brussels. The European project LIFE NextFUMIGREEN will test the effectiveness of a new fumigant biopesticide designed to protect some of the most representative greenhouse crops in the European Union, particularly sweet pepper and tomato, which account for a significant share of protected horticultural production.
The initiative aims to demonstrate that plant-based fumigant biopesticides can serve as a viable alternative to conventional chemical pesticides. By replacing synthetic substances, the project seeks to mitigate adverse effects on the environment and human health, proving that fumigant biopesticides are less toxic and more compatible with agricultural ecosystems.
LIFE NextFUMIGREEN will assess the product’s effectiveness against key pests and diseases, including whitefly, and will extend trials to demonstrate its potential against thrips and Tuta absoluta. The project also explores the application of this solution to other pathosystems and its replication in additional EU Member States.
Expected benefits include improved food safety through residue-free produce, along with positive effects on biodiversity, soil quality, groundwater protection and reduced CO₂ emissions, contributing to climate change mitigation.
The project pursues specific environmental objectives such as avoiding the use of substances hazardous to the environment and human health, minimising soil and groundwater contamination, reducing hazardous waste from pesticide packaging and lowering the carbon footprint associated with crop protection practices.
A key pillar of LIFE NextFUMIGREEN is the application method, recognised as critical to the success of any biopesticide. The project is based on the premise that ineffective application can compromise even the most advanced solutions. As a result, LIFE NextFUMIGREEN focuses on innovation in safe and homogeneous dispersion, autonomous systems and optimal application timing.
LIFE NextFUMIGREEN delivers an integrated solution, combining product and application technology to advance towards a more sustainable, efficient and climate-aligned European agriculture.
LIFE NextFUMIGREEN has a total budget of €2,758,921.01, co-funded at 60% by the European Union’s LIFE Programme. The project is led by FumiHogar together with B&B Asesores, Comercial Química Massó, BrioAgro Tech, Fundación Tecnova and Finnova Foundation.
More information:
https://lifefumigreen.finnova.eu/